Wondering how to prepare for a pen show? EndlessPens got you!
Attending your first pen show can feel like a lot of different things. You might be nervous, slightly anxious, or unsure of how to go in but we’re sure beyond anything else you are excited!
Have no fear! Because EndlessPens gathered a handful of helpful tips so you can fully enjoy your first pen show. And if this is not your first time, going through this list may be a good refresher to make sure you're ready for the next pen show. So without further ado, let’s go!
Before the Pen Show
Step # 1: Research
Most pen shows usually have a website, instagram, or facebook where they post announcements for the event. The schedule, location, exhibitors, floor map, activities, and other details the pen show hosts want you to know about the event. You will want to follow them or sign up for their newsletter. If you're keeping tabs on the pen shows you’re planning to see, you may already have a calendar of these and that’s a great start!
Step # 2: Plan
With enough information about the pen show you will be able to plan for transportation, accommodation, budget, and other essentials.
Considering the distance and schedule of a pen show helps you see whether you need accommodation or not. Relevant to these, knowing the schedule, list of exhibitors, and activities helps you plan how early you want to be there or how much time you want to spend exploring the venue.
Whether you want to do a lap around to see as much as you can or you have a list of exhibitors you want to see, or activities you want to join, planning takes the edge off you so you don't stress. Factor in popular vendors will be busy so you may want to do those first before their products are gone.
Step # 3: Budget
You’ll surely see a lot–from vintage to current designs, local to global brands, regular releases to exclusive or limited editions, and so much more! Oftentimes, a fountain pen convention may also showcase other fountain pen companions such as inks, papers and notebooks, pen holders, pen wraps, and a lot of different stationary supplies you’re not going to be familiar with. When you step in and see all these things, it’s easy to get the spark of wonder and impulse. You might get lost in a shopping spree and end up overlooking what you came for.
Set a budget and avoid blowing it over while caught in the euphoria. Get what you came for first and if you have extra you can always shop for more after.
Step # 4: Cash and Credit
While there are exhibitors that may offer different modes of payment including credit and through e-wallets, what’s guaranteed is you always need to have cash. Skip the trouble of withdrawing on the way or on location and prepare to bring the amount that you set in your budget. While it’s easy to swipe your card or scan to pay with e-money, it’s a good thing to stick to your budget to make sure your first pen show experience won’t hurt. You may even get a better deal if you’re paying cash.
Step # 5: Clothing
Depending on the season and the venue, what matters is you wear something you will be comfortable in. Since you will be walking around, wear garments and shoes that you can easily go around with. Keeping it simple and light will help you go a long way. Literally. You will be on your feet for a long time so avoid chunky shoes, heels, or anything that may hurt your toes over time. If you dress warm make sure you bring layers to take off. A building full of people will get warm.
Step # 6: Pens, Papers, and Inks
While in a pen show, you have a lot of opportunities to interact with the pen community. It’s a good experience to meet and engage with fellow pen enthusiasts, try new pens and fountain pen inks and have a great learning experience while going around. There may even be a chance you can trade or simply just share about your own collection. It’s a good time to have conversations about pens and inks so don’t forget to bring your own just in case!
Step # 7 Food and Water
Bring snacks and water to keep yourself nourished and hydrated while you're in the show. While these events may have booths or tables offering food and refreshments, it won’t hurt to bring your own in case they don’t. Crackers, biscuits, nutribars can ease the hunger pains while you’re in the middle of a great pen show. Staying hydrated is important so don’t go to a pen show without water.
Step # 8: Bag
Relevant to Step # 5-7, bring a good sized bag that is easy to carry around and most importantly easy to access. Something too big that causes you to flip it around you constantly will be cumbersome. Messenger bags tend to be the most common bags you will see. Having empty pen cases or pen wraps is a good call so you can safely store your new pen hauls.
During the Pen Show
Tip # 1: Ask before you touch!
This is very important especially when handling rare or limited edition pens but it also goes the same for all of the items in the pen show. You may feel giddy and very curious but if you want to look more closely, sample some pens or inks, or simply touch a product, be sure you ask the exhibitor first. This small step makes a great difference and helps you avoid unnecessary trouble or accidents.
Tip # 2: Be aware of the space around you.
Each pen show varies in terms of size of their location. While big pen shows may offer a larger space to move around, other pen shows may have a limited space for each exhibitor with smaller venues. So when you go around, make sure you are careful and aware of the space around you. Give space to other attendees/visitors who want to see the same booth that you do so you can enjoy viewing altogether.
Tip # 3: Be aware of the time.
It’s easy to lose track of time especially when you’re having a good time going around. Be conscious of the time. Try to cover as much of your list as possible and more importantly, don’t miss what you’re looking for.
Tip # 4: Take breaks.
Whether it’s to eat, drink or use the restroom, be sure to take breaks. We know that seeing as much a pen show can offer is important but your health is important too. Don’t go hungry or thirsty and use the restroom as much as you need. This will help you avoid getting sick or feeling uncomfortable especially if you want to enjoy a whole day.
Tip # 5: Interact with the pen community.
This is a great place to know more about pens and other pen products and it’s a good place to meet new friends. You can meet new people who are fellow pen enthusiasts so don’t be afraid to start a conversation or ask questions. The more you know about pens and other pens accessories, the better haul you may get. Even better if you make new friends while spending your day in a pen show. Vendors often look forward to explaining their designs. Talk to everyone!
Enjoy The Pen Show!
We’ve shared a lot of pointers above but the most important thing is to enjoy the pen show. While it can be overwhelming at first and the list we have shared is long, knowing these tips will help you prepare so you are set to have a good time on your first or next pen show.
We may not have covered everything but these are the bare essentials you need to know. In case you still have questions, don’t hesitate to leave a comment or ask away. Here at EndlessPens we want you to have endless fun on your fountain pen journey and pen show experience.
By Some Folks at EndlessPens
